Portable, pumpless liquid water weight ballast system
OwnerPatrick McNaughtoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A portable, pumpless water ballast system can be constructed of a flexible water-proof membrane molded or formed of welded panels to make a desired shape, such as cube-shaped when filled with water. Along the top side is an opening for filling the container. A water-proof closure is provided in the opening to prevent water leaking out. An air release valve can be installed near the top area of the container's top or side panels. A handle or strap can also be provided on one or more of the adjacent sides of the container. A plastic threaded drain and closure can be provided on one or more sides to allow for emptying of the container or to attach other features like a hose or other accessory.
Claims20
A portable, pumpless liquid water weight ballast system, comprising:
- a container comprising a flexible and waterproof material, and defining an open interior;
- an openable closure defined along a top side of the container so that the container can be sealed water-tight;
- an air release valve provided to a portion of the container that is in communication with the open interior;
- and
- a handle coupled to the container.
A portable, pumpless liquid water weight ballast system, comprising:
- a first container comprising a flexible and waterproof material, and defining an open interior, wherein the first container includes an openable closure defined along a top side of the first container so that the first container can be sealed water-tight, and wherein the first container comprises a first portion of hook and loop fastener disposed on a first planar portion of the first container;
- and
- a second container comprising a flexible and waterproof material, and defining an open interior, wherein the second container includes an openable closure defined along a top side of the second container so that the second container can be sealed water-tight, and wherein the second container comprises a second portion of hook and loop fastener disposed on a second planar portion of the second container,
- wherein the second portion of hook and loop fastener is complimentary to the first portion of hook and loop fastener such that when the first and second portions of hook and loop fastener are aligned and brought into contact with one another, the respective first and second containers are secured together.
A method of providing portable ballast to a boat, the method comprising:
- submerging a container comprising a flexible and waterproof material underwater to fill an open interior thereof with water from a body of water;
- sealing an openable closure of the container to prevent water contained in the open interior from escaping the container;
- and
- disposing the container that has been filled with water and sealed in a boat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.